Join your fiber friends for a weekend of spinning and socializing for a good cause! In the 18th century, spinning frolics or spinning meetings were held as a way for people to come together and unite in a common task—spinning yarn. Often held at the home of a minister or on a town common, the yarn produced would be given to support the clergy or the poor at the end of the event. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, these frolics could take on a political meaning as well, promoting the virtues of homespun cloth over British imports.
 
Taking a cue from this tradition of working together and giving back to the community, The Newbury School of Weaving is proud to host our very own spinning frolic at our location on Newbury Common. We will provide wool roving and a noon-day dinner, you'll bring your spinning wheel of choice (antique wheels encouraged, but not required) and your love of spinning. At the end of the event, the yarn will be gathered up to be woven in the following months by Newbury's staff into blankets that will be given away to those in need. We'll have a few friendly competitions, (practice those niddy noddy winding skills!) and wheels on hand to give visitors a chance to try their hand at spinning. 
 
Unlike other modern social spinning events where participants bring their own fiber and take home their finished yarn, our goal is to produce wool yarn specifically for blanket weaving. Help us to spread our love of craft and community by working with our hands to help those in need. 
 
This event is FREE to attend, but donations to the school are welcome to help defray our costs in hosting. Please register in advance to help us plan for refreshments and space considerations. If you are only able to attend for one day, please let us know at info@newburyschoolofweaving.org.